Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels may be associated with age-related cataracts

There may be associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and age-related cataracts, according to a study.

The observational cross-sectional study evaluated 18,804 patients 40 years of age or older from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to determine associations between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and age-related cataracts.

Cataract patients were more likely to be men, older and hypertensive and have higher systolic blood pressure, longer sun exposure, higher fasting glucose levels, diabetes, higher HbA1c levels and higher levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (all P < .001 except for sex).

The risk for age-related cataract was 24% lower in men whose 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were in the highest quantile vs. the lowest quantile; however, the incidence of cataract was positively associated with age, which was also positively associated with vitamin D levels.

Findings were inconclusive about the existence of a relationship between sex and levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D because there was no linear trend in the odds ratio for age-related cataract development associated with the higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D quintiles, the study said.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were not associated with age-related cataracts in women.

“In light of previous research indicating an antioxidative effect of vitamin D, the connection between vitamin D and age-related cataract warrants further study,” the study authors said. – by Kristie L. Kahl

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Jee D, et al. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2015;doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2014.12.052.